Working Class Audio

Peel back the glamour of the professional recording world. Guests from the world of audio for music, film, games, restoration, and more share their insights on how they made their journey, how they survive, their advice on the real things including wins, losses, working with other people, money, and career advice.
Hosted by audio engineer Matt Boudreau.
The Working Class Audio Podcast - Navigating the World of Recording with a working class perspective.

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Episodes606

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Jan 21, 2020 · 39 min
WCA #266 with NAMM 2020 - Loads of gear, tired feet, great friends, Emily Dolan Davies, Kim Rosen and Pete Lyman.
NAMM 2020 took place over January 16th-19th. The show was well attended and I had loads of fun. In this episode, I’m joined by mastering engineer Kim Rosen of Knack Mastering, drummer Emily Dolan Davies of emilydrums.com as well as mastering engineer Pete Lyman of Infrasonic Sound. Short interviews talking about NAMM and a NAMM wrap up by me! Enjoy, Matt. In this episode, we discuss: All things NAMM 2020! Links and Show Notes: Kim Rosen: http://www.knackmastering.com/ Whitestone Audio: http://www.whitestoneaudio.com/ Emily Dolan Davies: http://www.emilydolandavies.com/ Pete Lyman: https://www.infrasonicsound.com/ Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic Credits: Guest: Kim Rosen, Emily Dolan Davies and Pete Lyman Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Jan 14, 2020 · 1 hr 20 min
WCA #265 with Alex Oana - Science Experiments, Imposter Syndrome, Spinach, Exercise, Motivation, Failure, and Audio Test Kitchen.
WCA #265 with Alex Oana – Science Experiments, Imposter Syndrome, Spinach, Exercise, Motivation, Failure, and Audio Test Kitchen. Alex Oana, is the creator and co-founder of Audio Test Kitchen. Alex started out as a musician, became a recording engineer and producer, got into pro audio sales and marketing, and designs and develops products. In this episode, we discuss: Imposter Syndrome Science Experiments Spinach Exercise Motivation Failure Audio Test Kitchen Links and Show Notes: 34 Things: https://bit.ly/35KNg69 Audio Test Kitchen: https://www.audiotestkitchen.com/ The Power of Podcasting: https://bit.ly/2N1x3TM Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic Credits: Guest: Alex Oana Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Jan 7, 2020 · 57 min
WCA #264 with Justin Perkins - Diversification, Diet, Commercial Space Benefits, Keeping Clients Happy, Teaching Audio, Disengaging from Audio Forums, and Mastering Therapy.
WCA #264 with Justin Perkins – Diversification, Diet, Commercial Space Benefits, Keeping Clients Happy, Teaching Audio, Disengaging from Audio Forums, and Mastering Therapy. Justin Perkins is a mastering engineer located in Milwaukie, Wisconsin. In this episode, we discuss: Diversification Diet One gig leading to another Commercial space benefits Keeping Clients Happy Teaching Audio Disengaging from Audio Forums Links and Show Notes: The Bert Berns Story: https://n.pr/2QUm13X The Power of Podcasting: https://bit.ly/2N1x3TM Justin’s Site: https://www.mysteryroommastering.com Justin’s other Site: https://www.justincarlperkins.com Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic Credits: Guest: Justin Perkins Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Dec 30, 2019 · 52 min
WCA #263 with Jacob Sciba - 99 Cent Pizzas, The IRS, Mailbox Money, Game Planning, and Fear of an Empty Calendar.
WCA #263 with Jacob Sciba – 99 Cent Pizzas, The IRS, Mailbox Money, Game Planning, and Fear of an Empty Calendar. Jacob Sciba is a producer/engineer/mixer based out of Austin, Texas. In this episode, we discuss: Music Store Influence Microphone Obsession 99 Cent Pizzas Studying Business Low Overhead The IRS Fear of an Empty Calendar Game Planning Pre Production of life Mailbox Money Links and Show Notes: Music Pro Insurance: https://www.musicproinsurance.com/ The Recording Studio Insurance Program: joe_montarello@ajg.com Asana: https://asana.com/ Evernote: https://www.evernote.com/ Arlyn Studios: https://arlynstudios.com/ Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic Credits: Guest: Jacob Sciba Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Dec 23, 2019 · 43 min
WCA #262 with Jordan Richter - Going Broke, Burning Out, Keeping Audio Fresh, and Moving into Coding.
WCA #262 with Jordan Richter – Going Broke, Burning Out, Keeping Audio Fresh, and Moving into Coding. Jordan Richter is a producer/engineer who, after 25 years of making records, has decided to move full time into coding. In this episode, we discuss: Nashville Portland Burnout Recording for joy Scarcity Being a business person Going broke Jackpot Studios Keep audio fresh Identity Links and Show Notes: Jordan’s Site: http://www.therealjordanrichter.com/ Room 13 Recording: https://room13recording.com/ Asana: https://asana.com/ Matt’s Reverb.com store: https://bit.ly/2Mi0Wic The Minimalists: https://www.theminimalists.com/ Credits: Guest: Jordan Richter Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Dec 16, 2019 · 54 min
WCA #261 with Dave Gardner - College Radio, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Power Dynamics, Communication, Compromise, and Context.
WCA #261 with Dave Gardner – College Radio, Critical Thinking, Diversity, Power Dynamics, Communication, Compromise, and Context. Dave Gardner grew up in Pittsburgh, became an adult in Minneapolis, and lives in Northeast Los Angeles. He is the Chief Mastering Engineer at Infrasonic Los Angeles and a long time fan of loud sounds. His mastering and producing credits include Sun Ra, Rocket From the Crypt, Les Paul, Louis Armstrong, Germs, Portugal. The Man, Earl Hines, Bassnectar, The Hold Steady, Black Lips, Trampled by Turtles, Hot Snakes and many others. In this episode we discuss: Critical thinking and analysis Urban planning College Radio Gear Lust Diminishing Friction Diversity Power Dynamics Communication, compromise and context. Links and Show Notes: Matt’s new site: https://www.mattboudreau.com/ Sara Carter’s article you must read. https://bit.ly/2Z53HII More on Dave: https://www.infrasonicsound.com/dave WCA #199 with Pete Lyman: https://bit.ly/2YOSKLi WCA #251 with Piper Payne: https://bit.ly/2POVhkD Credits: Guest: Dave Gardner Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Dec 9, 2019 · 59 min
WCA #260 with Ben Bernstein - Being a guide, Low friction, Planning, Getting credit, and Being a team player.
WCA #260 with Ben Bernstein – Being a guide, Low friction, Planning, Getting credit, and Being a team player. Ben Bernstein is a producer, engineer, and mixer based out of Oakland, California. This is Ben’s second appearance since first appearing on WCA #055 ( https://bit.ly/2E2ND0o ). More on Ben : https://www.benbernsteinmusic.com/ In this episode we discuss: Live sound Diversification Getting credit The role of social media Saying yes Being prepared Live streaming Being a team player Planning The Profitable Producer Course Low friction Being a guide Links and Show Notes: Ben’s site: https://www.benbernsteinmusic.com/ Profitable Producer Course: https://www.thesixfigurehomestudio.com/ppc-scholarship-wca/ Hotjar: https://www.hotjar.com/ Credits: Guest: Ben Bernstein Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Dec 2, 2019 · 59 min
WCA #259 with Lenise Bent - The smell of tubes, Leon Russel's studio, Roger Nichols, Mike Chapman, Cancer, Networking and Diversification
WCA #259 with Lenise Bent – The smell of tubes, Leon Russel’s studio, Roger Nichols, Mike Chapman, Cancer, Networking and Diversification Lenise Bent is an American audio engineer who has worked in both the music and film industry. She was one of a handful of women working in the Hollywood recording studio business in a technical role during the 1970s and was the first woman to receive an RIAA Platinum album for her engineering of AutoAmerican by Blondie. In this episode we discuss: The smell of tubes Leon Russel’s studio Surviving as an assistant Working with Mike Chapman Working with Roger Nichols Cancer Working in post-production Networking Diversification Links and Show Notes: Lenise on Instagram: @lenisebent Lenise On Facebook: https://bit.ly/2DDocSZ Credits: Guest: Lenise Bent Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Nov 25, 2019 · 54 min
WCA #258 with Jason Livermore - Selling Beer, Studio Ownership, Production Details, Cross Fit, and Thousand Dollar Vape Machines.
WCA #258 with Jason Livermore – Selling Beer, Studio Ownership, Production Details, Cross Fit, and Thousand Dollar Vape Machines. Jason Livermore is a producer/engineer/drummer and co-owner of the Blasting Room Studios located in Fort Collins, Colorado. For more info on Jason visit: https://theblastingroom.com/ In this episode we discuss: Selling Beer Fort Collins Studio Ownership Partnerships Gear Debt Mentors Production Details Points Cross Fit Legalized marijuana 25 Years of Business Links and Show Notes: The Blasting Room: https://theblastingroom.com/ Credits: Guest: Jason Livermore Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Nov 18, 2019 · 44 min
WCA #257 with Music Expo - Warren Huart, Lenise Bent, Michael James, Starita, Emiliano Caballero
WCA #257 with Music Expo – Warren Huart, Lenise Bent, Michael James, Starita, Emiliano Caballero Music Expo San Francisco 2019 took place at the SAE Institute in Emeryville, California on November 9th and 10th. It featured a wide array of panels and discussions. The Producers and Engineers panel was the Keynote panel held on the 10th. Enjoy. -Matt For more info on Music Expo: https://musicexpo.co/ In this episode we discuss: Producing Points Survival Mental Health Success Building a career Thinking Globally Persistance Links and Show Notes: Music Expo: https://musicexpo.co/sanfrancisco Warren Huart: https://warrenhuart.com/ Lenise Bent: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenise_Bent Michael James: http://michaeljamesproducer.com/ Starita: http://www.staritamusic.com/ Emiliano Caballero: https://www.emilianocaballero.com/ Credits: Guests: Warren Huart, Lenise Bent, Michael James, Starita, Emiliano Caballero Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Nov 11, 2019 · 1 hr 10 min
WCA #256 with Scott Evans - Quitting his day job, Drug money, Wrestling mixes, Imposter syndrome and being financially conservative.
WCA #256 with Scott Evans – Quitting his day job, Drug money, Wrestling mixes, Imposter syndrome and being financially conservative. Scott Evans is an engineer and mixer based in Oakland, California. This is Scott’s second appearance on WCA. His first appearance was Episode #010 in 2015. We met at his studio for a great discussion and follow up to our first interview. For more info on Scott visit: http://antisleep.com/ In this episode we discuss: Quitting his day job Traveling to record Being financially conservative Drug money Electrical Audio Mastering Diagnosis Winning A potty Wrestling Mixes Imposter Syndrome Links and Show Notes: Scott’s Site: http://antisleep.com/ Credits: Guest: Scott Evans Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Nov 4, 2019 · 49 min
WCA #255 with Steven Gillis - Chicago winters, studio partnerships, Chuck Berry, HVAC systems, SSL myths, and the last studio he'll ever build.
WCA #255 with Steven Gillis – Chicago winters, studio partnerships, Chuck Berry, HVAC systems, SSL myths, and the last studio he’ll ever build. Steven Gillis is a drummer producer/engineer and mixer working out of Transient Sound, his studio in Chicago that he shares with studio partner Vijay Tellis-Nayak. For more info on Steven visit: https://www.transientsound.com/ In this episode we discuss: Chicago Winters Studio Partnerships Chuck Berry HVAC Systems SSL Myths The last studio he’ll ever build Links and Show Notes: Transient Sound on Twitter: @transientmusic Transient Sound on Fcebook: https://www.facebook.com/transientsoundstudio Backblaze: https://bit.ly/2ptMxHJ Credits: Guest: Steven Gillis Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Oct 28, 2019 · 1 hr
WCA #254 with Jonah Strauss - DIY Attitude, The Aftermath of Fires, Advocacy, Dealing with Debt, The Dynamics of East Oakland and Serving his community.
WCA #254 with Jonah Strauss – DIY Attitude, The Aftermath of Fires, Advocacy, Dealing with Debt, The Dynamics of East Oakland and Serving his community. Jonah Strauss made his first appearance on WCA #016. Since then he’s been through some experiences that have changed his perspective and outlook. He’s back with a new studio, new approach and primed to serve a community dear to his heart. For more info on Jonah visit: http://www.survivorsound.com/ In this episode we discuss: DIY attitude The Aftermath of Fires Advocacy The Dynamics of East Oakland Serving his community Dealing with Debt Links and Show Notes: Survivor Sound: http://www.survivorsound.com/ Contact Jonah: http://www.survivorsound.com/contact The Black Puma’s: https://www.theblackpumas.com/ Learn about the late great Ed Cherney: http://edcherney.com/ Credits: Guest: Jonah Strauss Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Oct 21, 2019 · 50 min
WCA #253 with Mary Mazurek - Recording live, Knowing your worth, Complicated gigs & Parents with multiple fridge/freezers.
WCA #253 with Mary Mazurek – Recording live, Knowing your worth, Complicated gigs & Parents with multiple fridge/freezers. Mary Mazurek is a Grammy-nominated recording engineer, artist, educator, speaker, and consultant. She currently works as a producer/engineer at WFMT in Chicago, teaches as an Adjunct professor at DePaul University as well as an instructor at Columbia College and Illinois Institute of Art. For more info on Mary visit: https://www.marymazurek.com/ In this episode we discuss: Recording live broadcasts Studying under Murray Allen Blatant sexism Knowing your worth Parents with multiple fridge/freezers Chicago winters Mental health & stress Planning for complicated gigs Links and Show Notes: Support WCA – Go Ad Free! https://glow.fm/workingclassaudio/ Mary’s Site: https://www.marymazurek.com/ Connect with Mary on Linkedin: https://bit.ly/33Q7LxE More on Murray Allen: https://bit.ly/2pyVeAb The Presidents Marine Band: https://www.marineband.marines.mil/ Credits: Guest: Mary Mazurek Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Oct 14, 2019 · 1 hr 1 min
WCA #252 with Dave Hillis - Metal beginnings, Record Store education, Pearl Jam, Rick Parashar, traditional record making, and committing.
Dave Hillis has spent large amounts of time on both sides of the glass as a guitarist, producer, engineer, mixer and writer. He worked alongside famed producer Rick Parasher for several years in Seattle and was the engineer on Pearl Jam's breakthrough album "10". For more info on Dave visit: https://davehillismusic.com/ In this episode we discuss: Brooklyn to Seattle Metal beginnings DIY Focus Record store education Rick Parasher Pearl Jam Closing and opening studios Traditional record making Committing tracks Moving back East Links and Show Notes: Dave's Site: https://davehillismusic.com/ Clive Davis Doc: https://www.netflix.com/title/80190588 John Cuniberti: https://www.workingclassaudio.com/wca-005-with-john-cuniberti/ Working Class Audio Journal: https://amzn.to/2GN67TP Credits: Guest: Dave Hillis Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Oct 7, 2019 · 1 hr 4 min
WCA #251 with Piper Payne - Infrasonic Sound, survivalist audio, asking for help, losing a parent and new opportunities.
Piper Payne is a mastering engineer who has been a guest on WCA before (See WCA #045). She has been through some business experiences and changes since we last spoke and now has set up a homebase in Nashville but also continues to spend time in Oakland where she still has a facility. She joins me for a discussion of those changes and opportunities post Summer NAMM. Piper has mastered a wide variety of music including nationally renowned artists Third Eye Blind, Madame Gandhi, Geographer, Elettrodomestico (Jane Wiedlin/Go-Go’s), Shamir, Between You & Me, David Messier, and Fritz Montana, as well as Bay Area favorites Kat Robichaud, ANML, Sioux City Kid, The She’s, Emily Afton, Abbot Kinney, Travis Hayes, Kendra McKinley, Van Goat, and Diana Gameros. For Piper's complete history visit: http://www.piperpayne.com/ In this episode we discuss: Art and commerce in the Bay Area Joining Infrasonic Sound. Setting up shop in Nashville. Splitting time between cities. Survivalist mentality. Having a strong legal team. Taking care of yourself. Asking for help. Losing a parent. New opportunities. Links and Show Notes: The first Piper Payne interview: https://bit.ly/2AOtzNV Infrasonic Sound: https://www.infrasonicsound.com/ Piper's Site: https://bit.ly/2LSPl9G Credits: Guest: Piper Payne Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Sep 30, 2019 · 45 min
WCA #250 with Vance Powell - Business managers, assistants, not working at home, Grammys and cleaning up dog shit.
Vance Powell is an old friend to Working Class Audio. His first appearance was on episode #007 almost 5 years ago. Vance is a 6 time Grammy Award-winning record producer, engineer, and mixer and has worked with Chris Stapleton, Jack White, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, The Raconteurs, The Dead Weather, The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, Wolfmother, and Martina McBride, among many others. I join Vance at his studio in Nashville, Sputnik Sound for the second interview. We are also joined in the room by mastering badass, Chris Athens (Blink 182, Drake, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj ). In this episode we discuss Respecting your past. Business managers Not working from home. Jumping through hoops. Sedentary life. Taxes. The Stray Cats Fame. Grammys. Cleaning up dog shit. Links and Show Notes: The first Vance Powell interview: https://bit.ly/2mdbYeX Sputnik Sound: http://www.sputniksound.com/ Mastering Engineer Chris Athens: http://chrisathensmasters.com/ Credits: Guest: Vance Powell Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Sep 23, 2019 · 49 min
WCA #249 with Jeff Kolhede- A journey of adapting, surviving and finding oneself in the world of audio and music.
Jeff Kolhede is a Grammy-nominated producer, composer, engineer, and musician. He is currently a staff engineer at 25th Street Recording and is also a house producer, engineer, and mentor at Zoo Labs both located in Oakland, California. Jeff can be heard on film, television, advertisements, and artist projects, including the trailer music for the movie, Moonlight, as a sound-designer, for the Virtual Software Instrument EXHALE, ANALOG STRINGS, and MOVEMENT, by Output. Jeff has performed with such artists as John Legend, Allen Stone, HoneyHoney, Pete Wentz, Chali 2na, and JoJo. Jeff was also a member of the "Hollywood Game Night" band on NBC for two seasons, performing vocals and horns. In this episode we discuss Finding your path Influence of band directors Knowing when not to comment Adapting to a new environment Working long hours Focused vs. unfocused clients Surviving a high cost of living Links and Show Notes: Jeff's Site: http://www.jeffkolhede.com/about Jeff's project # 1: https://bit.ly/2kzFzhS Jeff's project #2: https://bit.ly/2m422ns 25th Street Recording: https://www.25thstreetrecording.com/ Zoo Labs: https://www.zoolabs.org/ Credits: Guest: Jeff Kolhede Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Sep 16, 2019 · 1 hr
WCA #248 with Eyal Levi - URM, The Demands of Metal, Standards and Devotion to learning.
Eyal Levi is a critically acclaimed educator, musician, producer, former guitarist and primary songwriter for the band Daath, as well as a co-founder of URM (Unstoppable Recording Machine) Academy, an online education platform for producers with thousands of students from across the globe. In the studio, he has worked with such artists including The Black Dahlia Murder, Monuments, The Contortionist, Chelsea Grin, and Firewind among many others. In this episode we discuss,The creation of URM.The demands of Metal.Standards.Teaching yourself.Devotion to learning.Managing money. Links and Show Notes: URM Academy: https://urm.academy/ URM Podcast: https://urm.academy/category/podcast/ Nail The Mix: https://www.nailthemix.com/ Digital Marketer: https://www.digitalmarketer.com Ramit Sethi: https://amzn.to/2O2N1OJ Credits: Guest: Eyal Levi Host: Matt Boudreau WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab
Sep 9, 2019 · 1 hr 16 min
WCA #247 with Justin Colletti - Mastering, SonicScoop, State Mottos and giving jail a try.
Justin Colletti is a mastering engineer, and the author of hundreds of articles on the art, science, and business of music and sound. He acts as director of content and publishing for SonicScoop and has written for outlets including Tape Op, The Deli Magazine, Trust Me I’m a Scientist and many more. In 2019, he began the weekly SonicScoop Podcast, interviewing music and audio industry luminaries and regularly taking deep dives into complex and controversial issues in music and audio production. In this episode we discuss,Corporate Environments.Jail Time.Transitioning to MasteringSaying yes to work.Thinking ahead.Doing things for the future you.State Mottos.Role Models.Microeconomics.Master Mind Groups.Fiscal Responsibility. Links and Show Notes: Sonic Scoop: https://sonicscoop.com/ Justin's Site: http://justincolletti.com/ Justin's Mixing Course: http://mixingbreakthroughs.com/ Use Code WCA25 on checkout. Justin's Mastering Course: https://masteringdemystified.com/ Use Code WCA25 on checkout. Credits: Host: Matt Boudreau Guest: Justin Colletti WCA Theme Music: Cliff Truesdell Announcer: Chuck Smith Editing: Anne-Marie Pleau & Matt Boudreau Additional Music: The License Lab